U.S. Rebates & Incentives Update: June 2018

Schneider Electric helps organizations identify, qualify, pursue and obtain dollars the utilities set aside for energy efficiency projects. Each month our experts compile important news and notes. Here are your June rebates and incentives from around the U.S.

Ultimate Guide to Direct Install Programs

Direct install programs assist small- to medium-sized businesses in significantly reducing their carbon footprint while simultaneously increasing their bottom line. In many cases, these programs offer better incentives than the standard program. Numerous variations of utility-sponsored direct install programs exist, but in general, the standard process consists of these three steps that a Schneider Electric representative can expedite:

Arrange an energy assessment (typically at no cost)

Review your customized energy savings and decide which energy-saving recommendations you would like to move forward with

Schedule your installation

The programs often convey flexibility to adjust to individual needs. Currently, there are 100+ direct install programs in the U.S. that allow clients to customize their experience by employing their preferred vendors for equipment and installation. Examples of standard measures offered in direct install programs include lighting, HVAC, motors, VFDs, compressed air systems, low flow faucets/toilets and water aerators, just to name a few.

Do You Like Free Money? Direct Install Highlight: LADWP

Los Angeles Department of Water and Power offers one of the most lucrative direct install programs currently available. Qualifying customers receive everything from the audit to installation completely FREE with no strings attached. Customers of LADWP must use <250 kW to apply. The process consists of:

An initial walk-through to determine eligibility

A scheduled survey of current measures

Review and analysis of possible energy savings

Determination of equipment/specifications

Installation

In addition to this program being free, a one-year manufacturer warranty on parts and labor is also included. To determine your eligibility for this program contact Lime Energy at (909) 255-2740 or email Juan Carballo.

New Law Prevents Large Business from Participating in Rebate Programs

Beginning July 1, 2018, a new Virginia law will prevent non-residential customers with a monthly demand >500 kW from paying into utility energy efficiency program funds. Consequently, these customers will not be eligible to receive utility incentives for energy efficiency projects moving forward.

NORTHEAST REGION

Efficiency Maine

Efficiency Maine’s C&I Prescriptive Program is discontinuing incentives for new interior light fixtures and interior light retrofit kits until June 30, 2018. Applications received prior to May 1, 2018 with the discontinued measures will be honored. Efficiency Maine’s new fiscal year will begin on July 1st with updated measures, incentives and a new Lighting Assessment Tool. Efficiency Maine’s preliminary budget for FY2019 is extending $9 million for electrical incentives in the C&I Prescriptive Program.

PECO

PECO is now offering significantly higher incentives for many energy efficient upgrades, including lighting and variable-frequency drives (VFDs). These incentives are tiered. Projects achieving a 10% or more wattage reduction may qualify for incentives equaling two-thirds of the equipment cost. Additionally, PECO just announced an extension to its $pring 50 Trade Ally Bonus. Pre-applications are due June 30, 2018 and final applications must be received by September 30, 2018.

SMECO

Effective immediately, SMECO will only distribute incentives via direct deposit. They no longer mail checks. A Schneider representative will reach out to you with details if further information is required.

SOUTHEAST REGION

Dominion Energy – VA

Dominion Energy is transitioning its rebate programs to adhere to the new, aforementioned Virginia law. Initial assessment requests by non-residential customers will be accepted until June 1, 2018. However, the project must be complete no later than September 30, 2018 with applications received no later than November 2018. The small business program will remain unchanged.

MIDWEST REGION

Xcel – WI

In 2018, Xcel Energy is offering a bonus for small- to medium-sized commercial/industrial customers participating in the Focus on Energy Business Program or the Ag, Schools, and Government Program. The bonus automatically provides customers with an additional 50% of the Focus on Energy incentive, capped at $4,000. Customers must use <1,000kW per month to be eligible for the additional incentive.